A 100-day campaign to detect and treat tuberculosis (TB) has been launched in Kodagu district, with officials expressing confidence in making the district TB-free within two years.
District Tuberculosis Control Officer Dr. Sanath Kumar said there are currently 79 TB patients per lakh population, which is expected to drop below 40 within a year.
He was speaking at a programme marking World Tuberculosis Day at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, organised by the district administration and the Health and Family Welfare Department.
Dr. Kumar said the government spends Rs 6-7 lakh per patient to ensure quality treatment. Measures such as mobile X-ray units and sputum testing are being used for early detection.
The campaign includes door-to-door screening in sensitive areas.Dr. Ramachandra Kamath highlighted awareness initiatives, including quizzes and rangoli competitions, while District Health Officer Dr. Satish Kumar noted that new methods are being adopted to control the disease.
Officials stressed that TB is contagious and urged the public to take precautions. Certificates were distributed to TB-free gram panchayats, with Ballamavati and Kakotuparambu receiving gold recognition.
